About Department of Photography

Study photography in Prague!

FAMU – Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague / Department of Photography

The specialised Department of Photography was formed at FAMU in 1975 and it is one of the oldest schools of its type in Europe. It offers a three-year Bachelor’s programme and the subsequent two-year Master’s programme, both taught in the Czech and English languages. Studies take place in seven principal studios led by major photographers and contemporary artists in general – the Studio of Postconceptual Photography, the Studio of Imaginative Photography, the Studio of Documentary Photography, the Studio of Classic Photography, the Studio of Photography and New Media, the Studio of Photography Restoration and the Studio of Intermedia / Temporary Arts. Students get to know a wide range of techniques for the production and postproduction of photographic images, learn and understand their opportunities and limitations, and find and invent creative means corresponding to their own intentions and preferences. In addition, the opportunities for gaining experience at other FAMU departments (cinematography, editing, sound engineering etc.) during the studies fosters overlaps into the audiovisual field. Courses in the history and theory of photography and media are an integral part of the teaching.

Profile:

FAMU is the fifth oldest film school in the world. Its graduates include many influential filmmakers and scriptwriters, many of whom are known internationally as Oscar winners and laureates of international film festivals. The Department of Photography was founded in 1975 which makes it one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Europe. The school is located right in the historical centre of Prague. Our unique specialization is the interconnection of classical photography techniques with contemporary multi-media trends.

Study:

The Department of Photography offers a Bachelor Program, a Master’s Program and a Academy Preparation Program (APP) in Photography in the English language. The BA Photography program is open to students without academic background in photography. Students studying in the English language have the opportunity to participate in lectures in the English language in the FAMU International Program. The students also have the possibility to work in the studios led by renowned teachers. These studios include the Studio of Documentary Photography, Studio of Imaginative Photography, Studio of Post-conceptunal Photography, Studio of Multi-media, Studio of Classical Photography and Studio of Photography and New Media

History and Theory of Photography, Art and Visual Culture:

Courses in history and theory of photography, film, art and visual culture represent an important part of the study of photography at the Department of Photography (“DoP”), FAMU. Lectures and seminars mainly serve the purposes of putting things in context and strengthening students’ creative practice; they teach critical thinking, research practices, and the basics of handling academic texts in the fields of humanities and social sciences. In addition to instruction provided by DoP’s key teachers, focusing primarily on the history and the present of technical images, students can attend also other courses at FAMU that are focused mainly on the history of Czech and world cinematography and culture.

Facilities:

– Studio Tabletop is equipped with Sinar type large-format cameras with a film format of up to 18 x 24 cm, including digital alternatives.– Studio for life photography has a flash lighting system with above standard power of 12 000 Ws; it has a Hasselblad camera with a digital back, and an analogue camera Mamiya RB 67 with a set of interchangeable lenses.– Studio “Portrait and Figure” offers similar equipment as above and the possibility to create an endless background.– Computer room and a room for scanning films (negatives and positives) are available in the school. For more demanding work there is the scanner Hasselblad Flextight x5.– The out of Prague studio in Beroun enables students to focus on their work for several days, providing on-site accommodation facilities. It offers studios equipped for large and medium formats and two darkrooms.We are also preparing a classical studio with daylight, which will have an 18 x 24 cm camera.

Lectures, Workshops:

At the Department of Photography we put an emphasis on individual development of the artists. The study includes art and photography history courses, philosophical seminars, practical seminars and workshops with renowned artists. Students also gain experience in the graphical workshop and screen print studio. They also learn the art of bookbinding and production of photographic publications. Multimedia instruction is an integral part of our teaching.

Culture Life:

An integral part of the school character is the interconnection with the dynamic cultural life in Prague. The school has its own gallery in the centre of Prague. The gallery has a rich program of student exhibitions. We assist international students in the integration into the regular gallery activities in Prague, which means they often participate in exhibitions in renowned galleries. A unique benefit is our interconnection with the FAMU film department in areas such as direction, camera and editing. Together with our students, we regularly participate in important European festivals of photography. Within the scope of our programs we cooperate with photography and film schools all over the world.

Facts:

Start: September 2017Language: EnglishDeadline for applications: June 10th, 2017All applications must include a portfolio.